The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice for Russia on 31 October, adding information for Wales football fans travelling to Moscow for the Euro 2004 play-off against Russia on 15 November. The revised Travel Advice provides additional information on visa regulations, local laws and customs, and on the security procedures that will be in force at the match itself. The information is designed to ensure that Wales fans travelling to Moscow will have as safe and enjoyable a visit as possible.

In a written answer to a parliamentary question on 29 October, Foreign Office Minister Denis MacShane described the current human rights situation in Nepal. He said there had been 'some encouraging progress this year', but that serious concerns remain about 'continued violations of human rights by both the Nepalese security forces and the Maoist insurgents'. He outlined the UK's involvement in encouraging greater respect for human rights in Nepal, and noted that 'a human rights Code of Conduct applicable to both sides would be a key element in any resumed peace process'.

Afghan President Karzai and Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell will host a major international drugs conference in Kabul next February as part of the UK's efforts to step up the fight against Afghan narcotics. Afghanistan is the source of 90 per cent of the heroin on the UK's streets and there is a risk of an entrenched narco-economy developing, possibly with the drugs trade financing insurgent and terrorist groups. Speaking on 29 October, Mr Rammell said: 'Elimination of drugs from Afghanistan is not easy, it will take time and requires sustained international commitment. But the UK is committed for the long haul.'

UK Trade & Investment became the new single identity for the UK Government's business support organisation British Trade International and its operating arms Trade Partners UK and Invest.UK, on 27 October. The aim of UK Trade & Investment is to help UK companies build their international business and to encourage foreign direct investment. The new identity reflects the increasingly close relationship between trade and investment work within the organisation and its continuing commitment to provide an integrated service - delivering business opportunities through a global network.

Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw announced on 27 October that the UK has now deposited the UK Instruments of Acceptance of the Protocols on the Accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to the North Atlantic Treaty. 'I congratulate each of the NATO Invitees on their hard work through the Accession process,' Mr Straw said.